Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has claimed he has no idea why he was dropped for Chelsea’s 3-2 comeback win against Southampton on Saturday.

Rudiger didn’t even make the bench for the trip to St Mary’s.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte left the Germany international of the 18-man squad that played against Southampton on Saturday following Rudiger’s comments after Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with West Ham at Stamford Bridge.

Asked why he wasn’t included in the squad, Rudiger told German TV show Das aktuelle Sportstudio: “I have no idea. I am fully fit.”

Conte claimed after the win over Southampton that the decision to axe Rudiger from the squad was tactical but it is understood Conte took the decision because he was angry after Rudiger’s comments about Chelsea always dropping deep after going 1-0 up in games.

Speaking after the London derby with West Ham, Rudiger was quoted as saying: “I think in the second half we (could) finish the game (off).

“But like the last few months, we didn’t and we (conceded). For me, it’s not easy to explain. I don’t understand why after 1-0 we always drop and let the opponent get more ball possession.”

Chelsea defender David Luiz also lost his place in the team after questioning Conte’s tactics in a team meeting following the loss to Roma in the Champions League last year.